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U.S. Rep. Bass reverses stance on gay marriage law

By James Pindell, WMUR.com Political Reporter

Published On: Dec 27 2012 03:25:56 PM EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. -

U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass, R-Peterborough, took a symbolic step this week by being the first Republican member of Congress from New England to sign on to an effort that would allow the federal government to recognize same-sex marriage.

Bass's office confirmed on Thursday that became a co-sponsor of a bill to repeal the national Defense of Marriage Act, which establishes that marriage is the union of only a man and a woman federal government purposes and for matters between states. Bass lost re-election last month to Democrat Annie Kuster, who supports gay marriage.

Bass voted for DOMA in 1996 when it became law. He now joins many politicians, including Bill Clinton, who have reversed their position on DOMA in the time since.

Given that Bass will no longer be a member of Congress next week and that the issue is not expected to come up for a vote, the move is purely symbolic.

Bass is just the third Republican congressman to sign onto the effort and the second this week.

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